Blame it on the lack of any real wintery weather or the fact that there’s still so much happening across the North Fork, this season has been, (should we say it?) enjoyable.
Here are 10 things to do this month to keep that warm feeling going.
13th Annual Winterfest Kickoff Party
Winterfest is returning with guided tours to help visitors — and local staycationers — make the most of winter on the North Fork. The five-week celebration of local culture gets underway on Friday, Feb. 7 with a kickoff party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Hotel Indigo East End in Riverhead, featuring live music by Jonathan Fritz. Restaurants, wineries, and breweries will offer special tastings and there will be a Chinese auction. Tickets are on sale for $55 or pay $65 at the door. For tickets and information about participating vendors, concert schedules, bus tours or the kick-off party, visit longislandwinterfest.com.
Vinyl Night is back at Little Creek Oysters
The perfect weekly wintertime activity happens at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market in Greenport as they host vinyl nights on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. You’re encouraged to BYOV and spin some of your favorites collectively creating the soundtrack for the evening. For a limited time, they are also offering a featured free oyster at the bar. While the vinyl nights are free to attend you are encouraged to register, facebook.com/northforkoysters.
Love Lane Kitchen Beer Dinners
Twice during February, Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck will be collaborating with local breweries for a four-course beer dinner. The first event, which is set for Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. will feature North Fork Brewing Co. and the pairing menu, which can be found on the restaurant’s website, looks divine. The second beer dinner is set for Thursday, Feb. 20, and will feature Moustache Brewing Co. Pro-tip: these pairing dinners tend to sell out fast, so get your tickets ($68 per person) ASAP by visiting, lovelanekitchen.com/beerdinner.
Galentine’s Day Cookie Decorating at Shinn Estate Vineyards
On Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. round up your favorite girlfriends and head to Shinn Estate Vineyards for cookie decorating and wine in the vineyard’s barrel cellar. Tickets are $40 per person and include two glasses of wine, cookie decorating and cookies to take home. All decorating tools and materials will be provided. Purchase tickets at shinnestatevineyards.com.
Jam & Fire Fridays at Jamesport Vineyards
Head to Jamesport Vineyards every Friday in February for live music and wood-fired pizza from 5 to 8 p.m. Listen to the tunes of Robin Sidor on Friday, Feb. 7, followed by Haig Mathosian on Feb. 14, TJ Brown on Feb. 21, and Julia King on Feb. 28. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the vineyard at 631-722-5256.
The Poetry Jam at The Lin Beach House
Have a love for poetry? Share it on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Lin Beach House. Open mic slots will be available between 7 and 9 p.m. with five-minute slots open to anyone who would like to read something personal of theirs or to share poetry that they love. Along with the open poetry jam session, Julia King will be performing as well. More details here.
North Fork Chocolate and Beer Tasting
Beer and specialty chocolate? Why not! Enjoy the annual tasting on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Long Ireland Beer Company in Riverhead featuring chocolate by North Fork Chocolate Co. Try out the recommended pairings or choose your own. Visit longirelandbeer.com for more details.
Listen to The Wailers at The Suffolk Theater
Need something to warm you up a bit? No better way to feel alright than by checking out The Wailers as they perform at Riverhead’s Suffolk Theater on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., doors at 6 p.m. Tickets begin at $60 and there is a $10 food/beverage minimum per person at all tables. Price fixe and a la carte menu by Chef Noah of Noah’s is available for additional purchase. Buy tickets in advance at suffolktheater.com.
Valentine’s Day Cookie and Card Decorating for Kids
Looking for something cute and festive to do with the kids? Join Ali Katz at Ali Katz Kitchen in Mattituck on Friday, Feb. 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to decorate cookies and make a handmade card for their valentine. The cost is $10 per child and you can register by calling the shop at 631-298-7694 or emailing [email protected].
Fondue Fridays at the Village Cheese Shop
Nothing says cozy like fondue! The Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck will be open every Friday this winter from 6 to 9 p.m. serving their amazing fondue, as well as their full menu. Enjoy a free glass of wine with any fondue purchase. Make your reservation by calling 631-298-8556 or emailing [email protected].
